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Candidate Calls For 'Civil Disobedience' Over Health Care

Gunner DeLay Says He Will Support Anyone Fined For Not Purchasing Health Insurance

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Updated: 11:14 AM CDT Mar 24, 2010

Candidate Calls For 'Civil Disobedience' Over Health Care

Gunner DeLay Says He Will Support Anyone Fined For Not Purchasing Health Insurance

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Updated: 11:14 AM CDT Mar 24, 2010

FORT SMITH, Ark. —

Gunner DeLay, a Republican candidate running for Arkansas' third congressional district, said he is calling for "civil disobedience" against the new health care law and said he will support the "rights of anyone fined for not purchasing" health insurance.

It's a bold statement from the candidate and many have mixed emotions about his words.

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He also said, if he's elected as the third district congressman, he'll use his resources to protect anyone fined by the government for failing to purchase insurance, which is a requirement under the new law that will start in 2014.

"My staff and my time and efforts on their behalf to intervene to make sure they don't lose homes -- things of that nature -- for taking action in protest of this legislation," DeLay said.

Some voters stand behind his support of civil protests and boycotts.

"Any acts of civil disobedience necessary to effect change. What does he mean by that? You think he's going to back them as long as it doesn't turn into a violent protest?" said Fort Smith resident Jason Cook.

But others say DeLay's response to the health care bill is too much.

"I don't like it. Why not? You can stand up and boycott the government, but they are there for a reason," said resident Jerry Blodgett.

Gabe Holstrom, the senior advisor to the Arkansas Democratic Party said "it certainly seems a little ridiculous for a former prosecutor to be encouraging folks to break the law."

DeLay said his next step is to let people know how they can get involved in protests. DeLay said he's working with other state leaders to organize events where people can express their civil rights all in one place.

DeLay said his office will be putting together places and times for protests in the next few days

Eight other people have also filed to run for the third district seat. Only one is a Democrat.